Finals and Semis. We already bought tickets, but if our friend can get us courtside then were going to sell them.

Ps: its now the sony open

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If someone gave me courtside seats for semis and finals and said they would have to kill me after, I would say ok. We were debating which weekend to go and decided to go first weekend just incase dark horses somehow get through to semis and can't see djoker or murray. I really just want to see them. So Sony is the title sponsor now?

If someone gave me courtside seats for semis and finals and said they would have to kill me after, I would say ok. We were debating which weekend to go and decided to go first weekend just incase dark horses somehow get through to semis and can't see djoker or murray. I really just want to see them. So Sony is the title sponsor now?

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Haha! Its a lot better to go to the early rds, Nike stuff doesn't sell out and there are many pro's practicing.

After playing/following tennis religiously for 12 years, I am finally seeing professional tennis live for the first time.

My wife and I just bought day and night passes for Monday and Tuesday. I wanted to "get the most for my money" (i.e. seeing the most players possible). I'd rather cruise the grounds and watch the likes of Nalbandian, Gasquet, and Isner, but I'm sure I'll take in a few of the Stadium and Grandstand matches so that I can experience the top players as well.

We decided to stay in Ft. Lauderdale to save cash on a hotel. We went through Priceline's Name Your Own Price and actually got a great deal. We also chose Ft. Lauderdale so we can enjoy the beaches on the days we won't be going to the Sony Open.

I'd appreciate any advice from Sony Open veterans. Looking for pointers as to what to bring, when to watch practice sessions, where to eat on a budget, etc.

After playing/following tennis religiously for 12 years, I am finally seeing professional tennis live for the first time.

My wife and I just bought day and night passes for Monday and Tuesday. I wanted to "get the most for my money" (i.e. seeing the most players possible). I'd rather cruise the grounds and watch the likes of Nalbandian, Gasquet, and Isner, but I'm sure I'll take in a few of the Stadium and Grandstand matches so that I can experience the top players as well.

We decided to stay in Ft. Lauderdale to save cash on a hotel. We went through Priceline's Name Your Own Price and actually got a great deal. We also chose Ft. Lauderdale so we can enjoy the beaches on the days we won't be going to the Sony Open.

I'd appreciate any advice from Sony Open veterans. Looking for pointers as to what to bring, when to watch practice sessions, where to eat on a budget, etc.

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If you will be there at night, make sure to bring a sweater or some sort of wind-breaker as it historically gets cold during the night session.

During the day, bring a cap or something to protect you from sun (it could be brutal on the neck and face).

Practice sessions are going on all day, typically beginning around 10am. All practice courts are easily accessible and you could really get up close to see the pros practice.

Where to eat on a budget at the tournament grounds?? Good luck with that. Fairly expensive. But they do have a pretty wide range of foods for everyone (pizza, burgers, hot dogs, crepes, salads, pork, and even a few "higher end" dining areas on grounds).

Keep your eyes open for a good matchup at the grandstand. The matches there are a lot of fun, and the seating from everywhere is great.

Ft. Lauderdale has Las Olas, The Beach, Hollywood Circle, River Front, and Beach Place, all within close proximity, so lot to do.

If you will be there at night, make sure to bring a sweater or some sort of wind-breaker as it historically gets cold during the night session.

During the day, bring a cap or something to protect you from sun (it could be brutal on the neck and face).

Practice sessions are going on all day, typically beginning around 10am. All practice courts are easily accessible and you could really get up close to see the pros practice.

Where to eat on a budget at the tournament grounds?? Good luck with that. Fairly expensive. But they do have a pretty wide range of foods for everyone (pizza, burgers, hot dogs, crepes, salads, pork, and even a few "higher end" dining areas on grounds).

Keep your eyes open for a good matchup at the grandstand. The matches there are a lot of fun, and the seating from everywhere is great.

Ft. Lauderdale has Las Olas, The Beach, Hollywood Circle, River Front, and Beach Place, all within close proximity, so lot to do.

Have fun!

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Thanks, Drak!

Here's a challenge: My wife and I will have two days in Ft. Lauderdale with no tennis plans. What would you do in that area from morning till night?

^^Lay out at the beach, go get a drink at the Famous Elbow Room, walk around the Beach Place, which is a block from the Elbow Room.

You could then take a walk down Las Olas Boulevard (lots of restaurants, shops). The scenery is great and is within walking distance of The River Front. Depending on the scheduling, there might be a jazz/music fest going on, or art festival, etc.

There is also the Seminole Casino,,,, although this is a bit of a drive, but not too bad. The night-life is great.

The Hollywood Circle also has pretty good night life (bars, clubs, restaurants, etc), although I haven't been there in a while.

I would offer to meet up with you for a drink with my wife, but will be stringing at the tournament with Priority One.

^^Lay out at the beach, go get a drink at the Famous Elbow Room, walk around the Beach Place, which is a block from the Elbow Room.

You could then take a walk down Las Olas Boulevard (lots of restaurants, shops). The scenery is great and is within walking distance of The River Front. Depending on the scheduling, there might be a jazz/music fest going on, or art festival, etc.

There is also the Seminole Casino,,,, although this is a bit of a drive, but not too bad. The night-life is great.

The Hollywood Circle also has pretty good night life (bars, clubs, restaurants, etc), although I haven't been there in a while.

I would offer to meet up with you for a drink with my wife, but will be stringing at the tournament with Priority One.

Hopefully, you will have a good time.

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Thanks for the suggestions. If I happen to spot you around the grounds I'll come say hello. Looking forward to my first trip to Florida.

Hey drakulie I know this is late in the game but what hotels should I look into? It is me and a buddy going down there for Wednesday/Thursday, so just a one-night stay. Trying to stay cheap simply because all we will be doing is sleeping basically.

Also another question for Drakulie....what about parking? The site mentions parking at Virginia Key parking lot and shuttle over from there. Is that a good option or is there some other alternative? I hate shuttle's.....since I hate to not be in full control.....but if it's the best, I'll take it!

I am going to the Day session on Saturday....very excited! Staying in Miramar which is on the west side....BUT it's not too far away.....and it's slightly cheaper. Also, the Heat are playing at home on Friday night....thinking about catching that as well!

Also another question for Drakulie....what about parking? The site mentions parking at Virginia Key parking lot and shuttle over from there. Is that a good option or is there some other alternative? I hate shuttle's.....since I hate to not be in full control.....but if it's the best, I'll take it!

I am going to the Day session on Saturday....very excited! Staying in Miramar which is on the west side....BUT it's not too far away.....and it's slightly cheaper. Also, the Heat are playing at home on Friday night....thinking about catching that as well!

They've got all indian wells/miami Nike outfits and shoes. No AO stuff. All spring adidas outfits and shoes. Nike premieres in team orange/white and in white/team orange. Atomic teal bandanas and white/team orange.